Do External TPMS Require Wheel Balancing?
2 Answers
External TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) does not require wheel balancing. However, if the tire has been separated from the rim, wheel balancing is necessary. Wheel balancing is a process that corrects the balance of the wheel edges by adding counterweights while the wheel is in motion, ensuring the wheel remains balanced during rotation. TPMS plays a crucial role in maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring driving safety, as abnormal tire pressure can lead to serious consequences. As a pre-warning safety system, TPMS alerts the driver when abnormal tire pressure is detected, prompting timely action to prevent severe accidents.
I've been using an external tire pressure monitoring system for several years. It's just a small device that screws onto the tire valve, and I haven't noticed any vibration in my car after installation. Wheel balancing mainly addresses the weight distribution of the tire itself to prevent shaking at high speeds, but external monitors are as light as a leaf, with negligible weight, so proper installation shouldn't affect wheel balance. I followed the instructions step by step during installation, making sure it was tight but not over-tightened to avoid damaging the valve cap. After that, my daily commute and highway driving have been smooth, with all vibration tests normal. Of course, if you experience steering wheel vibration after installation, it might be due to other issues like tire wear, but the external monitor itself shouldn't be a concern. During regular maintenance, I just check if it's loose, saving me the hassle of extra trips to the repair shop.
